By David Parsons
The Dragons are bringing home former Wales U20 hooker Oli Burrows next season after the 21-year-old agreed a summer switch from Exeter Chiefs.
Capped at U18 level and eight times with the U20’s, Burrows joined up with the Chiefs in the summer of 2020 alongside Welsh compatriots Dan John, Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza. Prior to that he was at Millfield School and part of the Ospreys Academy.
He went on to study for a business degree at the University of Exeter, helping his uni side to win the BUCS Super Rugby title in 2022 in the same team as Jenkins and John.
The Neath-born front rower – who stands 6ft 2in tall and weighs in at 17st 4lb – learned his rugby at Neath Athletic before heading for his two-year stint at Millfield. He made his first team debut for the Chiefs in the Premiership Rugby Cup encounter against Bristol Bears in November 2021, and has made five first team appearances to date.
“It’s clear that Dai Flanagan and the coaches are building something exciting at the club and I’m looking forward to fighting for a place in the match day squad each week and trying to better myself each day alongside some quality players,” said Burrows.
6️⃣”2️⃣
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U20 International Hooker#WeAreGwentRugby pic.twitter.com/QpjiZcM4Fu— Dragons RFC (@dragonsrugby) May 14, 2024
“I can’t wait to reunite with some familiar faces from Wales age-grade sides over the years and play a part in getting the Dragons to where they belong.”
Burrows also got some experience playing for Cornish Pirates in the English Championship and becomes the latest recruit for next season.
He joins back row Shane Lewis-Hughes, lock Steve Cummins, back row Solomone Funaki, centre Harry Wilson and wing Chris Hollis have already been signed-up, along with new defence coach Filo Tiatia and head of performance, Ryan Chambers.
“Oli is a big man and is still young at 21, but he has a lot of potential. It’s great we can bring someone like him back home to Wales,” said Flanagan.
“He’s an ambitious player who will look to drive competition in the front row. He’s a former Wales U20 international so we are excited to see how he can develop further here at the Dragons.”